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10 Questions with ... Carmen Brown
April 19, 2021
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1. Please tell us about your career journey?
I began my radio career in the country music genre in Tampa at Q105. I’m a very rare breed that has been in the same market for my entire career. I started as Producer for the Cooper and Ritter Morning Show shortly after graduating from The University of South Alabama. Quickly, I became the third leg of the morning show, and we had a very popular, family friendly show in the Tampa market for several years. After a format “tweak” in late 2003, I left Q105 in 2004. A few months later I joined The JOY FM as Promotions Director. Shortly after that, I joined The Morning Cruise with Dave Cruse and Bill Martin. We’ve been together now as a morning show for over 15 years! We’re heard in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. I was also Program Director for most of my time at The JOY FM. And just over two years ago, I became the General Manager.
2. Share the most challenging part of your career.
Right now, it’s managing the operation vs. the creative side of my job. As General Manager for the last two years, there are daily operational decisions, responsibilities, and action items that demand my attention. At the same time, I’m more “in my lane” when I’m thinking about Programming and engaging with the listeners. Switching back and forth between both of these can be really challenging at times. It also feels like the urgent robs the creative more often than I would like.
3. The best coaching advice you've ever received was…
Best:
- Valerie Geller:
Lead with your best content.
Make it matter.
Never be boring.
Tell the truth. - Shelley Giglio:
We have the best story in the world; why not tell it with excellence?
Walk in confidence, because God brought you here. Walk in humility, because God brought you here.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
Oh goodness…this is hard to answer. I’ll break it down into 3 categories:
- Show/Programming/Station. I think I learn by trial and error. I’m not afraid to take risks. I always say, “If you do it wrong, you don’t NOT know it for long!” I’d like to think that I’m always observing. I’m always strategizing. (I have lots of files in my brain!) I’m always filtering everything through the lens of, “How can we bring this to our listening family?” Complacency and status-quo is a real turn off for me. If we’re bored, they’re bored.
- Spiritual. At the risk of sounding like Christian-ese, I stay real close to Jesus! It’s not because I’m super spiritual, but because I know me! It’s a sheer gift that I get to do what I do. I don’t take it for granted for one second. I also read, listen, and lean into lots of resources. I’ve incorporated a few new rhythms into my life the last few years. I stopped watching the daily news cycle last year, and I only watch TV during football season. I read before bedtime, and I don’t allow myself to listen to a podcast before I’ve read scripture for the day. It’s been some of the most life-giving adjustments for me!
- Leadership. Providentially, I met a man named Ford Taylor in 2018, right before I became GM. His mentorship for about a year set me on a healthy path as a manager and in building a healthier team.
5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
3 things:
- It’s not rocket science. It truly isn’t. Sometimes we over-think radio. Just walk with people. Make ‘em laugh. Cheer ‘em on. Cry with them. Inform them. Encourage them. Just be their bestie!
- Don’t strive to arrive. Meaning: you really never “arrive,” and honestly, you don’t want to. I always thought it’d feel a certain way when I achieved “xyz.” Not true. When you accomplish one thing, there’s five more things around the corner that you want to do next!
- With regards to everyday stressors: If it’s not something that will matter one year from now/one month from now, don’t let it consume you today. Save your energy for what matters most, and do what lasts the longest.
6. Tell us about someone in our industry who you really respect and why?
I have a few:
Daniel Anstandig. Daniel Anstandig. I’ve said as long as I’ve known him that he is a genius in our industry. He’s my longtime friend, advisor, and confidant. Daniel was the first one to really believe in me and help me believe in myself. I was pretty beat up when I arrived at The JOY FM. Daniel has been with me since day one. His business partner at Futuri, Jon Erdahl, is pretty amazing too. They are my sounding board, chief cheerleaders, and strategizers. I couldn’t do it without them!
And for sure, Jim Campbell. Our CEO & President, but also a CCM radio pioneer. Not only does he allow us to do good, old-fashioned, real, personality-driven radio, he actually encourages it.
7. What would surprise people most about you?
I really do love being by myself. My favorite place is on my back porch in my favorite chair, with a book and my laptop or my Bible. I do love people! But, I re-charge by myself. Because I’m extroverted (and do a morning show) folks have always assumed it’s a 24/7 party for me. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. My house is my oasis, and I am the biggest homebody!!
8. What’s on your nightstand?
On my nightstand:
Kindle
Charger for Apple Watch
Coaster
Aquaphor
Thyroid Medication
Poop pills (Is that too much?! It’s Oxy Powder - you should try them!)
Glasses
Framed artwork done by a friend that says: Chosen/Redeemed/Accepted/Loved.9. WCIE just post a 7 AQH P6+ in Tampa which tied for #1, share how that made you feel about your team, donors and listeners.
It made me feel like this past football season made me feel! My Roll Tide had just won the National Championship. And my Bucs had just won the Super Bowl!
All kidding aside… we were ecstatic. I had the whole staff in my office, and we cheering and crying together. This is the 2nd time we’ve hit #1 in the last year, and it feels really, really great. THAT said though, after 5 minutes of celebrating, we all prayed as a family, and then went right back to work. We have a mantra we live by at the station: “Strength is for Service.” So, when (and if) we hit #1 again, we know our charge is to help more people find joy, and to love them better. This isn’t a platitude. We truly feel this way. We run everything through the filter of “listener/donor benefit.”
We truly do have THE BEST listeners and donors in the world. There is an ownership that is tangibly felt. It feels like a WIN for all of us. We treat this season, and these days as the special gift that they are.
10. What do you do for fun?
It sounds typical…but I am happiest when I’m with my family. We have so much fun together. A perfect day for me is being with my mom & girls for a girl’s day. I love to take walks with my husband. The beach in the afternoon with a good book (summer) – or – watching ANY college football game on Saturdays (fall). Roll Tide, though, all day long!
- Valerie Geller:
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